Libya: 3 militiamen arrested on North Korean oil tanker released from custody

TRIPOLI – An official at the office of Libya's chief prosecutor says authorities have released three militiamen arrested on board a North Korean-flagged tanker that tried to illegally take oil out of the country.

He says the release came amid negotiations to end control by militiamen of oil export facilities, but did not know if that was the reason.

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The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

U.S. Navy SEALs had earlier seized the Morning Glory, bringing to an end an attempt by a militia from eastern Libya to sell the crude in defiance of the central government.

Libyan authorities later took over the ship and detained the militiamen.